Instrument Flying Refresher

By Richard L. Collins and Patrick E. Bradley

Book Overview

In this unique and instructive book, veteran IFR pilot Richard L. Collins takes the right seat beside Patrick E. Bradley to demonstrate effective ways to grasp and solve IFR problems and eliminate uncertainties that may plague even current IFR airmen. Bradley, a relatively new IFR pilot, discusses the concerns and errors he has shared with most instrument fliers who are new or rusty. Collins then applies his own experiences and methods, including some lessons learned the hard way, and carefully examines airline and general aviation accidents to point out how threatening situations can be avoided or safely confronted.

IFR is a thinking game, and the authors emphasize ways of avoiding mental lapses that can turn simple difficulties into lethal crises:

--Making sure you're fuel-safe when your destination is at minimums.
--Recognizing and thinking through the dangers of nighttime and circling approaches.
--Shifting strategies and tactics when the winds aloft misbehave.
--Avoiding the traps of the missed approach: before, during, and after.
--Choosing right when you're number one for takeoff and a thunderstorm is approaching the field.
--Staying on top of equipment needs, quirks, and failures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560273356
• ISBN13: 9781560273356
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: Aviation Supplies & Academics
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

IFR or IFR

I bought this book to use as an IFR refresher without really looking into the content. When I actually got around to reading the book, I was at first disappointed because I had expected a technical review of the hands on techniques for IFR flight.After reading the first chapter I got the point. Apart from the pretty good read and interesting actual examples, I realized that one of the most important aspects to IFR flight is good pilot judgement. Poor judgement is what kills most pilots (and passengers) and IFR flight is a most risky activity. Not that technical skill is not important, it is. But pilot judgement skills are often neglected and under appreciated. The book is well written and the accounts of both personal flights (from two different perspectives) and industry accidents are very instructive and interesting. Highly recommended for those wanting to go beyond the basic skills. This book is not for new IFR students. I am recommending this book to my experienced students.